Kazakhstani Artists to Listen to This Summer: Ayau, Mutali Moskeu, SAMRATTAMA, Yenlik, and More

Summer has officially begun, and we suggest it’s finally time to slow down, catch your breath, and just unwind.

Aizhana Shaikenova, a writer for The Voice Media, has curated a selection of Kazakhstani music and artists that she highly recommends getting to know better this year.
SAMRATTAMA

Samrat Irzhasova is an artist who shares music about Kazakhstan—its traumas, roots, and modernity. The raw emotionality of his performances can be almost disarming in its sincerity, leaving few indifferent. Samrat redefines Kazakhstani music, making it more compelling for the modern listener. His energy, power, and distinct cultural authenticity give the music a force that can move mountains and change the world.
https://www.instagram.com/heymonro?igsh=MTBqZDFvaHlucWR2cw==
Hey Monro

Zhuldyz Gabdyshukur is a singer-songwriter from the city of Pavlodar. Her tracks are a vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and soul. Multi-genre yet highly relatable, her music seamlessly weaves Kazakh cultural flavor with experimental sounds, resulting in beautifully delicate vocals. We highly recommend listening to her touching songs about true love—the kind that is bound to find its way to your heart, no matter how strange or winding the road may be
https://www.instagram.com/mutali_moskeu?igsh=NnJxM2diY3RiYWdw
Мутали Москеу Mutali Moskeu

An Almaty-based musician and DJ, his EP Skin Everywhere features five electronic tracks. Mutali has organized parties centered around queer culture, ecology, and street dance, which have collectively drawn over two thousand attendees. His music is the perfect soundtrack to put a confident spring in your step as you navigate the city’s underground walkways. But if you prefer being responsibly alone, this is also the exact kind of music that feels great to escape into within your own personal space. If you’re tired of vocals and want to dive into electronic sounds, Skin Everywhere is well worth your attention.
https://www.instagram.com/dudeontheguitar?igsh=YzlzOGNqZzZsNDUz
dudeontheguitar

Nurbek Elemes is an independent musician and indie-pop artist. He writes all of his own music, with lyrics spanning both Kazakh and English. He has released two multi-genre albums: kõrpe and Dápter. This kind of music works perfectly whether you're listening in solitude or hanging out with friends—the key is simply matching the song to your current mood, as his work offers plenty of variety. His signature sound is evolving steadily, and there's no telling where his artistic journey will take him next. The imagery his songs evoke—freedom, sincerity, and self-reflection—is, in short, everything that feels so deeply missing in a concrete metropolis
https://www.instagram.com/yenleak?igsh=a3N4YjhrMGV5d3Zh
Yenlik

Yenlik Kurarbek is an Almaty-based R&B, soul, hip-hop, and rap artist. Presenting a message atypical for Kazakh tradition, her music celebrates independence and carries a profound meaning of womanhood as the ultimate embodiment of freedom. Her delivery is simple and relatable, conveying a warm and touching message about what matters most. These sensual, life-affirming songs will help you believe that the winds will change and everything will be alright—a true mantra for boosting emotional resilience.
https://www.instagram.com/ayaumusic?igsh=MWluamEyZmVncG5qNw==
Ayau

Ayau is the stage name of singer Ayaulym Kusaiyn. Her lyrics and vocals wrap the listener in a cozy, delicate mood, while her production strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and high-quality sound. Her debut track instantly topped the Kazakhstan Apple Music Top 100. Her songs create such an intimate, chamber-like atmosphere that you'll want to listen to them in complete solitude, as if quietly looking back at your warmest memory.
https://www.instagram.com/ab1lexx?igsh=cXpsbnkzYmJmOHd2
Abilexx

Alibek Berkimbaev creates music at the intersection of dance-electronica, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. The young Almaty-based artist already has collaborations with Say Mo and HIRO under his belt. With his smooth male vocals, upbeat rhythm, and a touch of effortless aestheticism, this music makes it easy to reconnect with your younger self, who has been quietly hiding beneath a thick layer of life experience.
https://www.instagram.com/nasiafromasia?igsh=MXBlOXlnb3dvcm9sYQ==
Nasiafromasia

Nazia Alzhanova’s career took off tree years ago, following her studies at Tagir Zaripov’s jazz school in Almaty and the Academia del Suono in Milan. The jazz singer’s soft, silvery timbre is absolutely mesmerizing. Nazia’s work is infused with love and tenderness; she crafts musical worlds filled with magical dawns and starry skies.
https://www.instagram.com/lili_liili?igsh=eG1zbjh1ajl4ank0
Liili

An R&B and pop artist who skyrocketed to popularity thanks to her hit tracks Hot and Attention, Leila Kodzhakhmetova shares music filled with deeply relatable themes and infectious rhythms. Naturally, this makes her work first and foremost the perfect soundtrack for hitting the dance floor.

Aizhana Shaikenova